Global Berry Congress
Expert speakers line up to assess the new opportunities for fresh berries

New varieties of fresh berries that have been developed specifically to meet the demands of today's consumers are the intense focus of some of the international berry sector's most innovative and forward-thinking companies.

Four of Europe's leading berry companies involved in developing new varieties are going to be speaking at the Global Berry Congress organised by Eurofruit Magazine and with the support of British Summer Fruits and Winter Berries. The two-day event takes place at the Hilton London Canary Wharf hotel in London on 15-16 May 2008.

Tim Morton of Redeva and Peter Vinson of Edward Vinson are joining Well-Pict European's David Johnston and Nicholas Marston of BerryGardens to report on some of the latest innovations in new berry varieties. They will also take part in a panel discussion with Eurofruit Magazine's Chris White to assess what steps the berry sector needs to take to meet the various demands of tomorrow's consumers.

How to respond to the challenges of labour will be discussed with Stephen Taylor of Winterwood Farms, Europe's largest blueberry producer. G's Marketing's group personnel director Sharon Cross will explain how one of Europe's largest salads and vegetables suppliers is coming up with new solutions to source labour for its farming activities.

At the same time senior labour economists from the OECD, the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, have been invited to give an overview of some of the key trends in the Europe's labour market and explain where the next pool of labour might come from.

Elsewhere on the programme, Alexandre Pierron-Darbonne of Planasa de Navarra and Oscar Verges of Fresh Royal will talk about the steps that Spanish companies like theirs are now taking to respond to the environmental challenges that now face companies in the sector. The World Wildlife Fund is also expected to be hand to report on how a NGO is forging links in the berry sector.

Looking at the huge opportunities in food service, Nigel Harris of Fresh Direct Ltd, a major supplier of fresh produce for food service, will highlight the efforts the berry sector needs to make if it's going to properly take advantage of the ongoing growth in the hotel, restaurant and catering sector. Tom Steele of New Focus, a leading food service analyst, will outline some of the key facts and figures in the food service market.

Target over 250 key decision makers from the international berry industry by attending the Global Berry Congress in London. Online registrations made by 11 April will save over 20 per cent on their delegate fee, group bookings of 4 or more people can benefit from additional savings. All registration information, programme updates and hotel details for the Global Berry Congress are carried out online at www.berrycongress.com

Contact:
Alexandra Walker
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Global Berry Congress
15-16 May/ London